When Family Steps In: A Kinship Adoption Story
Three years ago, Christina Rogers stepped up to care for her great-niece Krystianna who had just been born.
“My niece was unable to care for her, so I’ve had her since the day she was released from the hospital,” she says. “She’s made a big impact in my life.”
Rogers would also go on to care for Krystianna’s little brother Antwan.
“It’s a learning experience, but I have no regrets,” adds Rogers.
At Wellpoint Care Network, we know that children thrive when they can remain connected to the people and communities they know best.
Kinship Care — the placement of youth with non-parent relatives such as grandparents, or other trusted, like-kin adults who already share relationships with the youth and their families — provides a foundation of familiarity and stability during moments of stress or transition. Because reunification with parents is the primary goal of foster care, kinship placements help children maintain safe, meaningful family connections while their caregivers work toward that goal.
“I feel like it’s important that these kids know who they are and where they come from,” says Rogers. “And they are able to still have that connection with their mom, if they choose.”
On Friday, November 21, 2025 — National Adoption Day — Christina Rogers and her fiancé Alexis will officially adopt 3-year-old Krystianna and 2-year-old Antwan.
“I always felt like we were a family,” said Rogers. “But to make it official, I’m pretty excited about that.”
After Adoption Day, Rogers is looking forward to taking the kids on trips and continuing to advocate for what they need.
“This opens more doors for us and being able to take steps forward in their progress.”
To anyone considering stepping in as a kin caregiver, Rogers says “do it.”
“You’re not only helping the kids, you’re helping the whole family. And being around kin is an easier transition for everyone.”
